MS SC538

Proposes amendment to Section 26 of the Mississippi Constitution of 1890 to allow impartial juries to be drawn from a wider geographical area than the county where the crime was committed.

Modifies jury selection language to permit the Legislature to establish the area from which jurors are drawn by law, replacing the current county-based requirement.

Authorizes the Legislature to establish a state grand jury with jurisdiction over drug-related crimes and controlled substance violations occurring across multiple circuit court districts.

State grand jury authority limited to Mississippi Uniform Controlled Substances Law violations, narcotics crimes, dangerous drug offenses, and related crimes occurring in or affecting more than one circuit court district.

Amendment scheduled for submission to qualified voters at a special election on the first Tuesday after the first Monday of November 2010.